Puntland Forces Free Tanker SIBU 1 from Somali Pirates
26, September 2026
Puntland maritime police have freed tanker SIBU 1 after its August hijacking, with authorities reporting all 20 crew rescued and 15 pirates captured.
Gulf of Aden
China Adds Communications Facilities at Djibouti Base Near Bab al-Mandeb
22, September 2026
China has added communications facilities at its Djibouti military base near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, with CSIS identifying new antennas, satellite communications and 5G equipment.
Somali Pirates Release MV Sward and 17 Crew Near Garacad
13, September 2026
Somali pirates have released MV Sward and its 17 crew near Garacad in Puntland after a ransom payment. The vessel had been held since it was seized off Somalia on 26 April 2026.
IMO Chief Condemns Fatal Attack on TIHAMAH Off Yemen
13, August 2026
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has condemned the fatal attack on cargo ship TIHAMAH off Al Mokha, Yemen, after several seafarers were confirmed dead.
Pirate Group Remains Aboard Tanker Hijacked off Yemen
21, July 2026
A pirate action group remains aboard an unnamed chemical/oil tanker hijacked off Yemen. The vessel was reported near Bereeda as authorities monitored its movement towards Somali waters.
Suspected Somali Pirates Board Chemical Tanker in Gulf of Aden as South Korean Naval Vessel Responds
18, July 2026
Armed assailants boarded the chemical tanker Asana in the Gulf of Aden. Initial assessments pointed to suspected Somali piracy as naval forces worked to clarify the crew’s status.
IMO Council Opens With Hormuz Security and Piracy on Agenda
7, July 2026
The IMO opened its 137th Council session in London with maritime security, Strait of Hormuz risks and renewed piracy concerns in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden high on the agenda.
Pirates Board Tanker and Pursue Second Ship in Gulf of Aden
2, July 2026
Pirates boarded an unnamed tanker in the Gulf of Aden on 1 July and later pursued a second merchant ship, according to maritime security reports.
Container Ship Attacked in Gulf of Aden, UKMTO Says
15, June 2026
A container ship was fired upon and faced an attempted boarding south of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations.
